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TC88 Engine noise- top?

I have a 1999 Twin Cam dyna wideglide.
It had the 1550 big bore kit, Head work, SE203 cams etc done when the bike was new at the dealers.

Its now done about 38000kms, Its had this slight noise that I couldnt pin point.
However I had a fairly good run on the weekend.

THis noise was only just audible, before I left. I couldnt hear anythhing whilst on the road. At I dunno about 100kms. I mate pulled up besides me and said, man whats that noise from ya bike??

So I stopped and had a listen, now this is the same sort of noise that I could hear for a couple of weeks now.
But this was VERY loud, almost to the point that I was going to cancel the rest of the ride and call a tow truck.

I decided to just let the thing destroy itself, however it didnt.

Once I got home I re-checked the oil level, Yea that was a little low but acceptable. eg- it was about halfway on the dipstick.

It was very noisy. Anyways this morning I rechecked the oil and topped it back up to just under the maximum mark.

I started the bike and run it, Hmm no noise??
I then let it warm itself up till the back rocker box was warm to touch.
Rechecked the oil and it was ok.

After the bike got to operating temperture, it started making the noise again.
It didnt seem half as bad as it was, But its still got this noise going on. and im not comfortable about it.

Now Im a car mechanic but, when it comes to bikes I dont know jack.
BUT the noise seems to be coming from the barrells, or rocker box area or its travelling up.
It almost sounds like a Hydraulic tappet noise, like you would get with an old car if it was overheating.

What to do??

Im probably going to put it in the bike shop, but I was hoping somebody could help me here?

Strange things I think are-

Noise is bad after a long hard ride, but settles down when cold.
Bike rides perfectly, no missing surging or anything like that.
the noise sounded like it was about to throw a rod etc, But this morning its noisy but nowhere as bad.???

Re: TC88 Engine noise- top?

It sounds like for some reason a lifter is bleeding down when it gets hot. If that is the case, you can replace lifters for just a few buck. Harley B lifters are about 100 bucks a set from discount dealers or you can use Chevy small block lifters. I recommend Crane 10530 lifters for a small block Chevy. They are around 50 bucks for four.

Nobody knows the engine life of a TC. I'd guess that 100-200k miles is when one may need a top end job. The weak point of course is the tensioner set up. They will need to be serviced well before 100k in most bikes.

Re: TC88 Engine noise- top?

I know of multiple people with over 100k on their TC's without having any major overhauls yet.
I don't know them personally (virtual acquaintances), so they could be lying, but I don't know why they would do that.

Re: TC88 Engine noise- top?

well mate in order here is how i would go at it
cheak oil pressure hot and cold
next look at the push rods make sure they are adjusted correctly
cheak the lifters
cheak the shoe on the cam chain
repair as needed from the cheak list

Re: TC88 Engine noise- top?

The cam plate bearings are shit on the 99 and early 00 models. Mine took a dump on me at about 10000 miles. Better open the cam chest and have a look. BTW, I put the new bearings on both cams, just to be on the safe side.

Re: TC88 Engine noise- top?

Something simple to check would be to look for exhaust leak at the head pipes. This can make a kind-of ticking sound and could change as the engine heated and cooled. I had a rear head pipe crack and it made the ticking sound, but mine also started backfiring after the crack enlarged...